This yr ’s unusually wet outpouring and early summer has lead many farmers to store hay that ’s wetter than normal , increasing the danger of barn fires , according to Davis Hill , senior prolongation associate and managing director of the Managing Agricultural Emergencies programme in Penn State ’s College of Agricultural Sciences .
“ Often , farmers have reported that they know the hay they are bale is wetter than they ’d like , but with extra rainwater in the prognosis , they are take a chance , hoping to pull through a better - tone intersection versus letting the rainwater make the crop to deteriorate in the playing field , ” says Hill .
“ We have seen an addition in barn fires during the past few workweek , at least some of which were stimulate by red-hot hay combust through spontaneous burning . ”
Most farmers strive to bale hay that ’s field - dry to 20 per centum wet or less , Hill explain . At this moisture story , the baled hay can cure in good order and wield quality .
This twelvemonth , some have had to bale their hay at 25 percent moisture . With a wet content that high , hay in storage will generate more warmth .
Hay Monitoring“As temperatures lift , danger of spontaneous combustion increase , ” Hill says .
“ Farmers demand to be diligent in checking their hay , especially if they know they baled hay that was surface-active agent than normal . smolder hay gives off a secure , barbed odor . This odor is an indication that a fire is go on . If even the slightest smell is present , James Leonard Farmer should attempt to take temperature readings of the stack . ”
Reaching inside a hay stack will give a cursory clue , Hill notes . “ If it feels warm or raging to the signature , that ’s a in force indication that job may exist . take temperature readings of the stack is most significant and the only real room of mold how spoiled the potential flak problem is before flames arrive . ”
Infrared thermometers and digital thermometer are precise , and local fire companies may be willing to come out with caloric imaging photographic camera to evaluate a situation .
“ Most would prefer to come out prior to an actual fire event as a way to help avoid a catastrophic flame , ” he says . “ A identification number of attack ship’s company and silo - fire experts also have probes available that manufacturer can borrow to help them monitor a stack of hay . ”
decisive Temperature PointsResearch and experience suggest that farmers and fireman should be aware of several critical temperature power point :
“ Keeping a alert optic on heat hay can keep your barn or memory building , ” Hill says . “ tally the temperature of ( your ) hay can help you make critical decisions . If you see the temperature wax toward the 150 level ( F ) mark , you might study moving the hay to a distant location , away from any building or combustible stuff .
“ If you have to have a hay fire , it ’s better to have it away from your principal hay store or barn . Use caution when make a motion heated up bales , because they can burst into flames when they are scupper to refreshing airwave . wet hot Basle down before motivate them can aid verify this hazard . ”
